Introduction given by Liz Knox at the New Parent Orientation:
Greetings to you on this balmy, late summer evening. As the Director of Admission, I have had the privilege of meeting each of you and hearing about your hopes and aspirations for your child’s or children’s education. Somewhere along the admission process, you must have heard or seen something that resonated with you deeply enough to say “Yes, this is what I want for my child.” I can assure you that you’ve made the right decision because along that same process, we’ve seen something in your child or family that told us this would be a good fit and a good partnership.
And you are in good company. Those of you here represent students ranging in age from 1 to 13. That’s Toddler House through Middle School. You are from all over the South Shore—from Scituate, Cohasset, Hull, Abington, Brockton, Dorchester, Norwell, Westwood, Weymouth, Braintree, Marshfield, Hingham, Plympton, Middleborough, and more. And you bring professional and life experience to this new community that is as diverse and individual as your children.
You have come from a wide array of your own educational experiences—from public to independent school, from other countries, some of you even attended a Montessori school yourselves. Yet you each share a passionate commitment to education and providing your child or children with the best opportunities to develop skills, attitudes, and experiences necessary to confidently and competently take on the world beyond Inly School.
And that is our mission. To be that partnership of children, teachers, and families, dedicated to the joyful discovery of each child’s innate capabilities and potential.
For some of you, this could be a 12- or 13-year partnership—even longer if you have more than one child. That’s a big deal. We understand the weight and importance of that kind of relationship and will be talking more about that in a bit.
So, thank you for being here at this new parent orientation. There is so much to learn about Montessori, educational best practices, 21st century skills, innovative teaching methods, and the culture of Inly School that we couldn’t possibly fit it all into one open house, or tour, or brochure.
This evening is designed to provide you with critical information that will help facilitate a smooth transition into the life of the school. In the next hour, Donna will outline what to expect during the first week of school, Whitney will introduce you to some of the policies and procedures found in the Inly School Parent Handbook, Julie will go over the new Parent-School Partnership Agreement, and the Program Directors will fill you in on all the rest—from drop-off and pick-up logistics to some fundamental Montessori philosophy about raising an independent child.
And rest assured the learning process doesn’t end here. There will be plenty of opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation for the unique and outstanding education your child is about to embark on.
With that said, I’d like to ask Donna Milani Luther, our wildly creative and innovate head of school to come forward, tell you a bit about her summer work at Dartmouth College, and brief you on the details of the first week of school.